How to Get to Split, Croatia by Train

Before you decide to get to Split by train, you should first consider some other alternatives. I do like traveling by train but trains in Croatia are slow and less frequent than buses.

I personally have nothing against trains in Croatia, but each time I have traveled by train to Split, not even once I arrived on time, always with delay.

Train is one of a popular means of transport in Croatia, even if the train network isn’t ramified extensively except within the country’s interior. Zagreb is the central hub of the train network, but only three coastal destinations are connected to Zagreb by train, Rijeka, Zadar and Split.

In fact Zagreb’s main railway station (Glavni Kolodvor ) is the only starting point to get to Split railway station. For your information Dubrovnik has no train connection at all.

From 2004 Croatian Railways passenger transport company (HZPP) has introduced the new 160 kph ‘tilting trains‘ that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and Osijek.

This results in higher levels of comfort and significantly faster journeys between Zagreb-Split which is now 5.5 hours instead of 9. The night trains still need more than 7 hours. They have the first and second-class seats and booking in advance is advisable.

Split By Train Timetable

At the moment while I’m writing this page, from Zagreb to Split, there are three trains. According official Croatia train website, there are two daily trains during the week:

Daily from Monday to Sunday

Dep.07:35 Train 521 Arr.13:37 Duration 06:02 Price II class 208.00 Kuna
Dep.15:21 Train 523 Arr.21:23 Duration 06:02 Price II class 208.00 Kuna
First class 303 Kuna

Overnight train – Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Dep.23:05 Train 821 Arr.06:48 Duration 07:43 Only II class 200.80 Kuna
No first class available
Bicycles can be transported on this train.

Split by train – seasonal overnight trains with auto train

Take advantage of a special deal ‘Hostel on wheels’ and pay, in addition to the fare, extra 77 Kuna for a couchette on night trains 820/821 on the route Zagreb Central Station – Split – Zagreb and a special deal Auto Train and pay, in addition to the fare, extra 101 Kuna for a car or 51 Kuna for a motorbike.

  • Train No.821 on the route Zagreb – Split runs from 29 April 2017 to 29 October 2017 daily and from 31 October 2017 to 9 December 2017 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Train departs from Zagreb at 11:05 PM and arrives in Split at 6:54 AM
  • Train No.820 on the route Split – Zagreb runs from 30 April do 30 October 2017 daily and from 1 November to 9 December 2017 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Train departs from Split at 9:43 PM and arrives in Zagreb at 5:40 AM.

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2 thoughts on “How to Get to Split, Croatia by Train”

  1. I recently travelled from Zagreb to Split by train 523; the journey was interminable and the train arrived at about 22:50 hours. We stayed for 4 nights and our flat was right next to the headshunt, adjoining Bacvice beach, where the GM diesel reverses to run round its train and hook on for the trip back to Zagreb, so I know from hearing it every night that the train never arrived earlier than 22:35. As a railway enthusiast none of this bothered me (only the fact that I was very tired, and our host was waiting to give us our flat keys, caused me slight exasperation), but I mention it as potential travellers need to know that the HVPP timings are unrealistic and unachievable; the line has severe curvature and runs through mountainous country, so if there ARE any high speed tilting trains running on the line (I never saw anything other than 1970s GM USA style diesels and ancient loco hauled carriage stock) they would not be able to reach anything like their full speed potential and I personally would find the idea of tilting over some of the ravines that the train gingerly crossed absolutely horrifying! Much as I love trains and try to recommend rail travel at every opportunity, I have reluctantly to admit that travel by coach is the better option in Croatia (Split to Dubrovnik by coach was delightful, very efficient and relatively quick).

    Reply
    • That is true, Ben. Croatia hasn’t invested as much in the railways as they could’ve and instead they focused on building speedways and improving the roads. As a result, even though traveling by train does have its advantages as you say, usually choosing a bus is better or at least faster.

      Reply

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